Understanding the health and social networks of older adults who have never married
Official title: National Study of Older Never-Married Adults
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11170843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being single affects the health and social lives of older adults aged 50 and up who have never married, and it aims to learn more about their unique experiences to help improve their health and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $701,766 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG089170-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 50 and above who have never been married.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are married or in long-term partnerships may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health and social dynamics of older adults aged 50 and above who have never married. By collecting and analyzing data through a nationally representative survey, the study aims to explore how social networks influence health behaviors and outcomes in this unique population. The research will address gaps in existing literature by considering the diverse backgrounds and experiences of never-married older adults, which have been largely overlooked in previous studies. Participants will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and advantages faced by this demographic, potentially leading to improved health interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced health strategies and support systems tailored for older never-married adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on this specific population, studies on social networks and health outcomes in older adults have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Lijun — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Song, Lijun
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.